Like most of the people, you probably consider your dog a member of the family. But do you know your loving pet could pose a health risk for all in the family? Learning about canine parasites will not only help you protect your dog, but also yourself, your family and your love ones – especially since some of the dog intestinal parasites that infect dogs can also infect humans through what is known as zoonosis.

The major types of canine intestinal worms are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. You need to know how to prevent your dog from being infected by these intestinal parasites.

Click here to watch video on how you can prevent heartworm in dogs and puppy.

More about canine intestinal parasites prevention.

In the case of parasite roundworm infections, dormant hookworm larvae can be activated in pregnant female dogs, and transmitted to puppies through the placenta or through their mother’s milk.

Dogs can also be infected accidentally by eating hookworm eggs and larvae.

Parasite infection can also occur through the larvae penetration of the skin or the lining of the mouth.

The life cycle of canine hookworms in dogs

When hookworm larvae penetrate the skin, these parasites are carried by the blood to the lungs. The larvae are coughed up and then swallowed to establish residence in the small intestine.

When a dog eats larvae, some of them may migrate through the lungs, but most of the parasites only penetrate the intestinal wall. A few days later, they return to the gut, where they will mature into adults.

Like roundworms, adult canine hookworms produce eggs that are expelled in the feces of infected dogs, and thus contaminate the environment.

Hookworm eggs survive well in mild temperatures, shade and moist soil or grass.

Although direct sunlight, drying out and freezing will destroy most hookworm eggs, there are still some are extremely resistant to cold temperatures.

More about the canine hookworms treatment at Dog Hookworm Symptoms and Canine Hookworm Treatment